A man living in Faribault for just a few weeks is charged with nearly a dozen counts of criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13. According to the criminal complaint, 36 year old Keith Richard Falkenstern, came to Faribault with his fiancee and her 4 children three weeks ago. Early on the morning of March 9th, the mother walked in on Falkenstern and one of her daughters. The mother had taken their infant son to emergency for an ear infection, when she returned to the hotel room, the little girl was naked. The child ran into the bathroom and told her that Falkenstern had touched her. The mother called 911 and informed Officers that he’s required to register as a sex offender due to a previous conviction in North Carolina in 2013. She’s been with the man for 2 ½ years but has known him for 20. He was arrested and the
children met with Rice County Social Services. Both girls reported being molested by Falkenstern multiple times in North Carolina and in Minnesota. They lived in Rice County in 2016 for a time as well. The charges include 6 counts of 1st degree and 5 counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct with a child. The mother tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. The children remain in Foster Care. Bail has been set at $750,000 or $400,000 with conditions. His initial court appearance is March 26th. http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov/details.aspx?SRN=024815S
A later start time for teens? Nfld School Board starting the conversation
In 2014 Dr. Brian Hoff, a local Sleep Specialist, spoke to the Northfield School board about teenagers and sleep. He spoke again last week. Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann said there’s no disputing the facts anymore. Kids aren’t just lazy, they don’t just stay up too late, he said, “while scientists can’t explain why it happens, it is very clear that at puberty children’s circadian rhythm bumps ahead by a couple of hours”. Dr. Hoff is an outspoken advocate in starting school later. Hillmann was clear to say the District just wants to start the conversation, adding, “making sure that teenagers have good sleep are good for them in terms of their mental health, their academic performance, their driving ability” and more. He believes it’s their responsibility to look closely at the issue. The next steps include working with the High School Statistics class to create a survey for parents on their opinions of a later start time. Hillmann said a late start might be possible for the 2019/20 school year, depending on conversations with Staff, parents, and the community.
Five DUI’s in Rice Co.
Rice County law enforcement were out for St. Patrick’s Day enforcement. Sheriff Troy Dunn reports a total of 5 DWI’s in the County, 2 in Northfield, 1 in Faribault and County deputies cited 2.
Mayor for a Day Essay contest winners
Grace Mostad 4th gr. St. Dominic, Madyson Sevcik 5th gr. Bridgewater, Riley Schwamb 5th gr.
Prairie Creek, and Ben Flory 4th gr. Sibley Elementary School.
(back row left to right) City Administrator Ben Martig, Council Member Suzie Nakasian,
Council Member David DeLong, Council Member Jessica Peterson White, Mayor Rhonda
Pownell.
Congratulations to the Mayor for a day essay contest winners announced last night. In 4th Grade, Ben Flory from Sibley and Crystal Palma and Grace Mostad both of St. Dominic. And in 5th grade, Madyson Sevcik from Bridgewater; Riley Schwamb from Prairie Creek and Lola McCarty from Sibley. The children were given awards at the State of the City Address by Mayor Rhonda Pownell.
Click for the full press release from the City: 3.20.18 Press Release State of the City Address
